SVALBARD WILDLIFE SAFARI

The Polar Archipelago

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the epic glacial landscapes of Svalbard and the icy edge of the Arctic Ocean.

  • Wake up each day in Europe’s largest wilderness and search for elusive wildlife, guided by expert naturalists and guides.

  • Join an intimate group of just 12 passengers as you discover the wild coasts of the Svalbard Archipelago.

What our guests say

  • ★★★★★

    “Such a great trip!! Loved the ship, loved the wildlife!! Phil, Marcelo, and Yuri were fantastic guides - super knowledgeable! 10/10 would recommend!”

    — Heather L.

  • ★★★★★

    “We’ve arrived home and are wishing were still in Svalbard! Thank you for providing us with such a special experience. We’ll savour it for years to come.”

    — Jamie K

  • ★★★★★

    “This has been one of the best trips of my life. From the crew to the expedition leaders to all of the polar bears - this was far beyond what I could have ever expected.”

    — Lindsey B.

  • ★★★★★

    “Thank you for such a wonderful expedition. The expedition leaders were so kind and patient. It truly made the cruise (and Spitzbergen) unforgettable.”

    — Kay M.

  • ★★★★★

    “I’ve been travelling for 30 years, and this, from start to finish, has been one of the best. Bears, walruses, and a fantastic group of people. Thank you, Arctic Tern!”

    — Lydia S.

  • ★★★★★

    “I realize now how important it is to travel to Svalbard with a small group. We were allowed the space and time to truly enjoy the peace and beauty of the Arctic”

    — Stella C.

Traveling in a Polar Wilderness

A journey to the Svalbard Archipelago is unlike any other. This is high Arctic wilderness—raw, remote, and ruled by the polar bear, the largest land predator on Earth.

But bears aren’t the only ones who call these icy coastlines home. Out here, the cliffs erupt with life as migratory birds arrive by the thousands. Walrus haul out on the beaches in great, blubbery clusters. And with a bit of luck, you might spot the towering spout of a whale—part of Svalbard’s slowly recovering population.

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed in a place this wild, but here’s what you can count on when you travel with Arctic Tern Expeditions:

  • – A sturdy expedition vessel built for polar waters, with warm and comfortable accommodations
    – Guides who know Svalbard inside and out—and care deeply about sharing it responsibly
    – Safe, well-managed operations both at sea and ashore
    – A clear focus on giving you the best possible chance to view Arctic wildlife
    – A small group setting that prioritizes flexibility, conversation, and personal attention

    This is not just a trip. It’s a true expedition into one of Earth’s last wild frontiers.

“There it was, the land under 80 degrees, a land of stern magnificence, where icebergs rear up almost to the very mountaintops, and mountain rises above mountain; there it was, inviolate, alive to the raucous voice of millions of birds, the continuous staccato bark of foxes, the castanet click as the hoofs of great herds of deer fell in a swinging trot; there it was, surrounded by waters whose surface was slashed and sprayed by schools of walrus and whales that had swum there before ever man was born.”
— Jeannette Mirsky, To the Arctic!: The Story of Northern Exploration from Earliest Times

Why Choose Small Ships?

Imagine waking up to the sound of sea ice gently thumping the hull of your ship. You step outside, coffee in hand, and take in the stillness of the Arctic Ocean. The only sounds are the distant calls of seabirds and the soft creak of shifting ice. That quiet moment—where it feels like the world belongs to you—is something you don’t find on a crowded cruise. You find it on a small ship, and it’s what defines every journey with Arctic Tern Expeditions.

We sail Svalbard with Polarfront

Arctic Tern Expeditions Trips

Available Dates

Save $1000 when you book before July 31, 2025!

30% Single Occupancy Supplement

Ship Date Trip Length (Days) Prices from (USD) Booking
Polarfront May 23-June 1, 2026 10 15,800 Spaces Available
Polarfront June 1-10, 2026 10 15,800 Spaces Available

What is included:

  • Onboard cabin, including daily turndown service

  • Meals and snacks prepared by onboard chef

  • Shore excursions with Zodiac landing craft

  • Passionate expedition leaders and guides

  • Tailor-made educational content

Not Included:

  • Flights to and from Longyearbyen

  • Hotels in Longyearbyen

  • Travel insurance (including medical evacuation insurance)

  • Personal onboard expenses (alcoholic beverages)

  • Gratuities to the expedition guides and crew